West Michigan Biz Beat: Openings, closings and other local business news for November

Dime & Regal moved from its space on Division to 656 Wealthy St. SE in Grand Rapids, giving owner Courtney Jones about 1,000 square feet to work with. Jones works with partner Samantha McIntosh to create jewelry through metalsmithing. The store will also sell other local maker’s products, such as scarves, handbags, candles and prints.

Rockford Cheese Shop (49 E. Bridge St. NE, Rockford) has arrived in its namesake town, offering high-end cheeses, charcuterie, olives, jams and just about everything else you’d expect to see on a cheese board. For an idea of the cheeses available (with detailed descriptions), check out rockfordcheeseshop.com

Russo’s International Market (241 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids) is now open in downtown Grand Rapids, having moved into the space previously occupied by Bagger Dave’s. Much like the current location on 29th Street, this Russo’s offers a deli, home essentials and a huge selection of hand-selected wine and beer. This location also has a bar and dine-in eating, featuring a menu of gourmet sandwiches, pizza and salads.

616 Mitten Market (1186 Walker Ave. NW, Grand Rapids) opened doors on Grand Rapids’ west side, just south of Leonard. The boutique carries a wide variety of locally made products, such as bath and body products, jewelry, re-purposed furniture and apparel. You’ll also find baby products, including bibs, nursing covers and teething necklaces, handmade by the shop’s owners.

On the ever-burgeoning Bridge Street, The Sparrows Coffee Tea & Newsstand (442 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids) has moved in with a second location. For years now, the coffee shop has provided Wealthy Street with quality coffee, tea and magazines at its first location. With the new space, Sparrows also is beginning to roast its own beans for the first time.

The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel (187 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids) has completely redone its bar/lounge area along Pearl Street, ditching its classic circle bar and opening the new, modern Rendezvous Lounge. The new concept offers more options, beginning with breakfast (including a buffet) in the morning. Later, Rendezvous makes a shift to appetizers and high-end cocktails, such as the 3 Dots & Dash, with honey, lime, orange, allspice, bitters and New Holland Rum.

CLOSED:

The owners of Wealthy at Charles (738 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids) retired last month, closing up shop on Sept. 30. The store was in business for 12 years, selling homemade goods from local artisans, European-style furniture, art, garden decorations and more.

Grand Rapids’ Woosah Outfitters is moving from 131 S. Division Ave. to 738 Wealthy St., and launching a large line of new goods along with the move. Woosah offers nature-inspired woodcuts, prints, accessories and clothes. The new space will provide more room, plus a loft for owner Erica Lang to live as close as possible to her work.

Jolly Pumpkin has proposed a move into the former Black Heron location at 428 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids. The sour-focused brewery initially had proposed a move into what was once Red Lion, next to Anchor Bar. However, the former home of Black Heron — which closed after a car crashed through its window — would offer a more modern, up-to-date space.

If you have any closings, openings or other business news for REVUE, e-mail josh@revuewm.com.